WHAT

An Australian vintage LGBTQ+ film screening "Adam", with live discussion. 

Drink included on arrival, and light refreshments provided.

Doors open at 6pm, event starts at 6.30pm. 

About ‘Adam’ (1975)

‘Adam’ (1975) is a short film by Paul Bugden and shot in Sydney in 1975. The film was written and directed by Paul Bugden, produced by Quest Films and funded by the Experimental Film and Television Fund. 'Adam' (1975) features performances by Wayne Van Heekerin and Robert Hughes, with cinematography by David Perry and editing by Ronda McGregor. The original score was composed and performed by Robert Hughes.  ‘Adam’ (1975) was a finalist at the GU awards at the 1976 Sydney Film Festival and is widely acknowledged to be the first gay film by an openly gay writer/director in Australia.

About Paul Bugden

Paul Bugden is an acclaimed Australian film director, writer and actor, as well as an author and bookseller. Paul Bugden's film, 'Adam' (1975) was one of the first representations gay men in Australian cinema and is an iconic piece of LGBTIQA+ film history. After ‘Adam’ (1975), Paul Bugden released his second film, ‘Confirmation’ (1976). It won first prize in the 1977 General Section of the Greater Union Awards at the Sydney Film Festival. In 1976, Paul studied with Stella Adler for two years and was accepted into the New York University (NYU) Film School. In 1979, Paul co-directed ‘As Time Goes By’, the first production for Mardi Gras produced by the newly formed Gay Sydney Theatre. Paul Bugden has been in various stage and television productions and is the author of two memoirs.

Paul Bugden's most recent work, ‘Tales of an Accidental Bookseller’ (2020) tells the true story of a struggling actor and aspiring filmmaker who - in the midst of tragedy and great personal loss - finds redemption in the last place he would ever have thought to look, the second-hand book trade.

About Dr John Hughes

Dr John Hughes is the former Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Sydney. He taught and researched in the fields of drama and theatre studies. In 1973, he joined the Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP inc.), a forerunner of Gay Liberation. He is a proud LGBTIQA+ advocate and political activist, and his long-standing activism includes the historic NSW law reform which decriminalised homosexuality. In 1978, John was part of the marches and demonstrations that lead to police arrests that are now commemorated by the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Dr John Hughes is recognised as a 78er (member of the first Mardi Gras parade) and we are deeply honoured to be hosting him for a live discussion surrounding the film, 'Adam' (1975).